Next Generation Network (NGN) Project

The project will upgrade all components of the University’s network, wired and WiFi, over the next three years.

Why Upgrade Now?

To keep up with demand.

The current network, installed between 2004 and 2007, is nearing its end of life. Meanwhile, network usage continues to increase, and our students, faculty, staff, researchers, administration, and guests expect faster and better service.

The Next Generation Network will:

Increase speed and throughput capacity.

Increase wireless access.

Increase security management.

This upgrade will be system-wide across the University, including all campuses and satellite locations across the state.

For a more stable network.

The Next Generation Network will maintain our excellent network stability and reliability. Increased demand and aging components drive the need to upgrade. The University data network is essential tool for everybody across all campuses and locations. Every area relies on the network, from public safety to building access to University police to healthcare.

The Next Generation Network will:

Ensure the appropriate level of redundancy for inevitable hardware failures.

Upgrade building and infrastructure capability to prepare for growing WiFi demand.

Install the latest network technology available.

For a more secure network.

Security is our priority. The Next Generation Network will ensure security by implementing an advanced infrastructure. The University will be able to detect and respond to service attacks or incidents quickly. The refresh of our infrastructure will enable us to continue to mitigate risks to our Data Network security.

The Next Generation Network will:

Advance intrusion detection tactics.

Expand upon the denial of service attack defense.

Allow for advanced firewalls for the data center and general access network.

Increase capacity for logging and security monitoring.

Latest News

August 15, 2017

Title

News from NGN: Weekly WiFi Roundup

Work is ongoing for the Next Generation Network (NGN) project and WiFi access point upgrades are continuing on all University of Minnesota campuses through August 2017. View the list of recently upgraded locations.

Title

News from NGN: Weekly WiFi Roundup

Work is ongoing for the Next Generation Network (NGN) project and WiFi access point upgrades are continuing on all University of Minnesota campuses through August 2017. View the list of recently upgraded locations.